A Lemmy Biopic Is in the Works

The film on the Motörhead icon will go into production in 2021

Photo: Rick Clifford

BY Calum SlingerlandPublished Jun 16, 2020

In a year where Motörhead were nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, it's now been announced that iconic frontman Lemmy Kilmister will receive the biopic treatment.

As Deadline reports, Lemmy will centre on the life and work of the Motörhead leader and will enter production in early 2021, depending on COVID-19. Greg Olliver, who previously helmed the 2010 documentary of the same name, is attached to direct.

"Everything you've heard about Lemmy is probably true… not because he was embracing rock'n'roll clichés, but because he was creating them," said Olliver in a statement. "Marlboro Reds and Jack Daniel's for breakfast, speed for dinner — all true. But behind that steely-eyed façade of rock'n'roll was also a compelling, complicated and lion-hearted man who stayed the course and never gave up playing the music that made him happy."

Olliver continued: "We've been carefully developing this biopic since 2013, making sure to stay true to Lemmy, Motörhead band members Phil Campbell and Mikkey Dee, and all the other folks that played important roles in Lemmy's life. This will be a film they'll be proud of."

Motörhead managers Todd Singerman and Steffan Chirazi added, "It is a story of immense cultural importance. If the last five years of [Lemmy's] absence has taught us anything, it is that he was more unique than anyone could ever have known because no-one touches the quality and sheer freedom of the man. Greg is a deeply-trusted part of our circle, and we are delighted to see this film coming to fruition."

Deadline adds that Lemmy will be taken to Cannes by VMI Worldwide, with Andre Relis and Damon Lane producing. The film's screenplay was written by Medeni Griffiths, with additional writing from Olliver. Singerman and Chirazi will serve as executive producers.

Kilmister passed away in December 2015 from prostate cancer, cardiac arrhythmia and congestive heart failure. He was 70.

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